Mary Ann L. Miller, VP-Business Relationship and Communications Officer of Bank of Botetourt in Daleville, was one of nearly 1,500 banking industry leaders who visited the nation’s capital to discuss the growing number of regulatory challenges impacting America’s banks.

The visit was part of the American Bankers Association’s annual Government Relations Summit and organized by Virginia Bankers Association.

On Capitol Hill, Miller met with US Representatives Scott Taylor, Dave Brat, Bobby Scott, Donald McEachin and Morgan Griffith, as well as Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.

She, along with fellow bankers throughout the state, used her time with elected officials to advocate for common sense policy solutions for regulatory issues that are particularly challenging to community banks. Her main focus was to ensure that the congressmen understood the negative effects resulting from the unfair tax advantages of credit unions, which have been using tax preferred status to enter into areas outside of their original purpose.

“Community banks play a critical role in driving the nation’s economy,” said Miller. “This meeting not only allowed me to highlight that role, but also to support legislation that would allow us to better serve our customers and communities.”

Each March, bankers from across the nation gather in Washington for ABA’s Government Relations Summit to personally share their concerns with leaders of Congress and federal regulators. ABA’s Government Relations Summit is held concurrently with its Mutual Community Bank Forum, Emerging Leaders Forum and Women’s Leadership Forum in Washington.

Chartered in 1899 Bank of Botetourt operates twelve retail offices in ,Rockbridge, Roanoke, and Franklin counties and in the City of Salemand the mortgage company Virginia Mountain Mortgage. The bank maintains 13 ATMs around the area, seven of which accept deposits, and offers fee-free ATM access at any Sheetz location in the country